Ballistic shield

ABSTRACT

The ballistic shield includes a ballistic panel and a panel carrier, which internally supports the ballistic panel and secures the shield to the user&#39;s hand and forearm. The panel carrier includes a panel shell, which encases the ballistic panel, and is secured to a user&#39;s forearm by two cuffs and an integral glove that are sewn to the backside of the shell panel. The compact design of the shield enhances mobility, while still providing ballistic protection to the most vital and likely areas of potential injury. The use of an integral glove in combination with two cuffs provides a solid three point connection to securely position the shield on the user&#39;s arm. The ballistic shield is completely supported on one arm without having to be held or manually supported.

This invention relates to ballistic shield for use by law enforcement and military personnel to afford protection against ballistic threats, e.g. firearms.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Ballistic shields are oftentimes used by police, military and the like to afford protection against ballistic threats such as firearms. The conventional wisdom in the world of law enforcement and military operations pertaining to ballistic shields is that the larger the shield, the better the cover. Consequently, the ballistic shields such as the ones described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,101 (Baker) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,807,890 (Fuqua) have been designed around providing the largest area of cover behind which the officer or soldier is protected. While larger shields provide the officer with increased cover, mobility is sacrificed. In many instances, such as active shooter incidents, time to engagement is critical. Carrying and manipulating a large cumbersome ballistic shield only slows the first responders to engagement and hinders their ability to adjudicate the threat.

Experts in the field of understanding the dynamics of firearm engagements have suggested that an individual threatened and under the extreme stress of a deadly force encounter will fixate his or her visual attention on the threatening object, i.e. the gun held in the attacker's hand rather than on any other particular part of the attacker's body. This suggestion correlates to the statistically higher than expected incidences of gunshot wounds to the hands and lower arms of individuals brandishing weapons. Because of this visual fixation on the threatening object, a shooter is more apt to shoot a threat in the hand or arm holding the threatening object in a reflective, high stress incident. The practical consequence of this phenomenon is that law enforcement and military personnel who respond to deadly force incidents are more likely to be wounded in the hands and arms because the threats instinctively visually fixate on the weapons that they are carrying.

The present invention seeks to provide a ballistic shield that provides ballistic protection to the area of the users body most likely to be wounded or targeted, i.e., the hands and forearms without restricting dexterity and mobility. The illustrated embodiment of the ballistic shield of this invention includes a ballistic panel and a panel carrier, which internally supports the ballistic panel and secures the shield to the user's hand and forearm. The panel carrier includes a panel shell, which encases the ballistic panel, and is secured to a user's forearm by two cuffs and an integral glove that are sewn to the backside of the shell panel.

To balance cover with mobility, the ballistic panel and panel carrier are sized and configured to cover the most vulnerable areas of the user and allow the shield to be worn and supported by one arm. The compact design of the shield enhances mobility, while still providing ballistic protection to the most vital and likely areas of potential injury. The compact design of this ballistic shield allows for convenient storage and accessibility to first responders. The use of an integral glove in combination with two cuffs provides a solid three point connection to securely position the shield on the user's arm. The ballistic shield is completely supported on one arm without having to be held or manually supported. Because the shield is securely worn on the user's arm, both of the user's hands are unencumbered by the shield.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ballistic shield embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ballistic shield of FIG. 1 shown with the flap end opened to reveal the ballistic panel;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the ballistic shield of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the ballistic shield of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the ballistic shield of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are end sectional views of the ballistic shield of FIG. 1 showing the webbing connecting the glove to the panel shell;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a user wearing the ballistic shield of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a user wearing the ballistic shield of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a partial front view of a user wearing the ballistic shield of FIG. 1 clearing a malfunction in a sidearm; and

FIG. 11 is a partial front view of a user wearing the ballistic shield of FIG. 1 drawing a new magazine to reload his sidearm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-11 illustrate an embodiment of the ballistic shield of the present invention, which is designated generally as reference numeral 10. Shield 10 is designed and intended to be worn by a tactical responder to cover the responder's hand and forearm. Shield 10 includes a ballistic panel 12 and a panel carrier 20, which internally supports the ballistic panel and secures the shield to the user's hand and forearm.

As shown best in FIG. 3, ballistic panel 12 is a generally flat rectangular plate formed or constructed of any suitable ballistic materials and conventions. While ballistic panel 12 is shown in a rectangular configuration, the panel may take any shape or configuration within the teaching of this invention. As shown, ballistic panel 12 is generally flat, but has a slight bend, which gives the shield a slight deflection at the distal end.

Ballistic panel 12 is ideally constructed from Dyneema®, which is a polyethylene fiber composite. Layers of Dyneema® fabric are pressed into plates alone or in combination with ceramics or steel to provide the desired level of ballistic protection. Generally, Dyneema® has a superb weight-to-strength ratio, which makes it ideal for personal protection applications, including ballistic inserts, where the highest levels of protection are required without compromising mobility. Dyneema® is up to fifteen times stronger than steel and up to forty percent (40%) stronger than aramid fibers, both on a weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. Panels of compressed Dyneema® provide multi-hit capabilities with backface deformation wider and less deep than other ballistic materials, thereby minimizing blunt trauma effect. While Dyneema® may be the most desirable ballistic material for ballistic panel 12, other ballistic materials may be employed in the construction of ballistic panel 12 within the teaching of this invention. For example, ballistic panel 12 may be formed or constructed using such ballistic materials as KEVLAR® or SPECTRA® and includes a thin hardened steel or composite ceramic trauma plate (not shown) embedded within multiple layers of these ballistic fabrics.

Panel carrier 20 is constructed of a durable nylon fabric, such as Cordura®, but can be made from any natural or synthetic cloth or fabric, which resists tears, abrasions and scuffs. Fire resistant materials, such as NOMEX®, may also be used or blended into the fabric or construction of panel carrier 20 as desired. As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, panel carrier 20 includes a panel shell 22, which encases ballistic panel 12. As shown, panel shell 22 tightly encases ballistic panel 12 so that the panel doesn't move inside. Panel shell 22 has an open end 23 for accessing ballistic panel 12, which is covered by end flaps 24 and secured by strips of hook and loop fasteners 26, such as Velcro®. Alternatively, the access opening in the shell can be eliminated and ballistic panel 12 can be permanently sewn into the panel shell.

Panel carrier 20 is secured to a user's forearm by two cuffs 30 and 40 and an integral glove 50 that are integrally sewn to the backside of shell panel 22. Wrist cuff 30 is integrally sewn to the back of panel shell 22. The ends of wrist cuff 30 are sewn to the back of panel shell 22 and include a “quick release” buckle 32 and a web strap 34 that allow the wrist cuff to be cinched down tight over the wrist area of the glove 50. A forearm strap 40 is sewn to the back of panel shell 22 adjacent one end of shield 10. Similar to wrist cuff 30, forearm cuff 40 includes a “quick release” buckle 42 and a web strap 44 that allows the strap to be cinched down tight around user's forearm. While wrist and forearm cuffs 30 and 40 are illustrated using web straps and buckles, any suitable cinching mechanism can be employed to secure the panel carrier 20 to the user's forearm.

As shown, glove 50 is integrally sewn to the center of the back side of panel shell 22. Glove 50 is constructed from various sections of clothes, leather and other fabrics and materials using conventional methods and is selectively sized and dimensioned to accommodate users with differing hand sizes within the teachings of this invention. As shown, glove 50 has a palm section 52 and a back section 54, which covers the palm and back of the user's hand. In addition, glove 50 also has four finger sections 56 and a thumb section 58. Back section 54 is sewn to panel shell 22 at the wrist area of glove 50. Glove 50 and panel shell 22 are also connected by two sections of webbing 60. Connecting webbing 20 is sewn to the sides of glove 50 just beneath the index and pinky fingers of the glove. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, connecting webbing 60 is a section of fabric or webbing, which is sewn to connect glove 50 to the backside of panel shell 22 to provide the user's hand inside the glove a greater degree of freedom of movement while providing a third point of connection. Generally, connecting webbing 60 consists of sections of non-elastic nylon webbing or fabric, but elastic webbing and fabrics may be used.

The backside of panel shell 22 also includes a padded area 28, which extends partially under the fingers of glove 50. Padded area 28 provides a soft cushioned area to protect the user from impact injuries that may occur when shield 10 is struck by bullets and the like. Padded area 28 is generally formed by encasing a thin closed cell foam pad or other soft material under the outer fabric of panel shell 22.

As shown in FIGS. 8-11, shield 10 is worn on the user's arm with the user's forearm extending through cuffs 30 and 40 and the user's hand inside glove 50. Wrist and forearm cuffs 30 and 40 secure shield 10 to the user's forearm. Inserting the user's hand into glove 50 ensures that shield 10 will not rotate about the user's forearm. FIG. 8 shows a user wearing shield 10 while holding and using a communication device in the hand protected by the shield. FIG. 9 illustrates the ballistic cover provide to the user while wearing the shield 10 on the forearm. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the user manipulating a pistol while wearing shield 10. In FIG. 10, the user is drawing an extra pistol magazine with the arm wearing shield 10 during a reload procedure. In FIG. 11, the user is clearing a malfunction while wearing shield 10. As show, glove 50 and connecting webbing 60 allow the user to manipulate a weapon or perform any variety of manual task that requires a high degree of dexterity using the gloved hand, while shield 10 remains properly secured and positioned on the user's arm.

It should be noted that wrist and forearm cuffs 30 and 40 provide two connection points for securing shield 10 to the user's arm. Connecting webbing 60 provides a third connection point for securing and positioning shield 10 on the user's arm while still allowing the user's hand a full range of motion inside glove 50. Connecting webbing 60 allows the user's hand inside glove 50 to move freely while wearing shield 10 without compromising the stability of shield 10 on the user's arm. The user's gloved hand is free to perform any task and is not needed to grasp or hold shield 10 in any way. As shown, the distal end of shield 10 bends outward slightly so that the user's hand can be held in a more ergonomic position during use.

One skilled in the arts will note several advantages of the ballistic shield embodying the present invention. To balance cover with mobility, the ballistic panel and panel carrier are sized and configured to cover the most vulnerable areas and allow the shield to be worn and supported by one arm. The compact design of the shield enhances mobility, while still providing ballistic protection to the most vital and likely areas of potential injury. The use of an integral glove in combination with two cuffs provides a solid three point connection to securely position the shield on the user's arm. The ballistic shield is completely supported on one arm without having to be held or manually supported. Because the shield is securely worn on the user's arm, both of the user's hands are unencumbered by the shield. The integral glove allows the user free use of both hands without compromising the stability and ballistic cover of the shield on the user's arm. In addition, the size, weight and design of the shield lends itself for use as a striking weapon in close quarter combat situations. The compact design of this ballistic shield also allows for convenient storage and accessibility to first responders.

The embodiment of the present invention herein described and illustrated is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is presented to explain the invention so that others skilled in the art might utilize its teachings. The embodiment of the present invention may be modified within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A ballistic shield comprising: a ballistic panel formed at least in part of a ballistic material capable of stopping a firearm bullet or explosive shrapnel, the ballistic panel having a backside, a first end and a second end thereof; and a glove part integrally mounted to the ballistic panel backside for receiving a user's hand to support the shield over the user's forearm and hand such that the user's hand has substantially free range of movement when the shield is worn by the user's hand.
 2. The ballistic shield of claim 1 wherein the ballistic panel also has a first end and a second end thereof, the shield also includes a cuff part integrally mounted to the ballistic panel adjacent the first panel end for securing the shield to the user's forearm at a first point.
 3. The ballistic shield of claim 2 and a second cuff part integrally mounted to the ballistic panel between the first panel end and the second panel end for securing the shield to the user's forearm at a second point.
 4. The ballistic shield of claim 1 wherein the glove part secures the shield to the user's arm at a third point.
 6. The ballistic shield of claim 1 wherein the ballistic panel backside includes a padded area adjacent the glove part.
 7. A ballistic shield comprising: a ballistic panel formed at least in part of a ballistic material capable of stopping a firearm bullet or explosive shrapnel; and a panel carrier adapted to support the ballistic panel and be to worn by a user so that the ballistic panel covers the user's forearm and hand, the panel carrier includes a panel shell for encasing the ballistic panel and a glove part integrally mounted to the panel shell for receiving a user's hand to secure such that the user's hand has substantially free range of movement when the shield is worn by the user's hand.
 8. The ballistic shield of claim 7 wherein the panel shell has a first end and a second end thereof and the panel carrier also includes a first cuff part integrally mounted to the panel shell adjacent the first panel shell end for securing the shield to the user's forearm at one point, a second cuff part integrally mounted to the panel shell between the first panel shell end and the second panel shell end for securing the shield to the user's forearm at a second point.
 9. The ballistic shield of claim 8 wherein the glove part is mounted to the panel shell between the second cuff part and the second panel shell end so that the glove part secures the shield to the user's arm at a third point.
 10. The ballistic shield of claim 7 wherein the panel carrier includes a padded area adjacent the glove part.
 11. The ballistic shield of claim 7 wherein the panel shell has an interior with an open end within which the ballistic panel is encased, the panel shell also includes a flap adapted to enclose the open end of the panel shell interior and means to secure the flap enclosing the open end of the panel shell interior.
 12. A ballistic shield comprising: a ballistic panel formed at least in part of a ballistic material capable of stopping a firearm bullet or explosive shrapnel, the ballistic panel having a first end and a second end thereof; a first cuff part integrally mounted to the ballistic panel adjacent the first panel end for securing the shield to the user's forearm at one point, a second cuff part integrally mounted to the ballistic panel between the first panel end and the second panel end for securing the shield to the user's forearm at a second point, a glove part integrally mounted to the ballistic panel between the second cuff part and the second panel end for receiving a user's hand such that the user's hand has substantially free range of movement when the shield is worn by the user's hand and the glove part secures the shield to the user's arm at a third point.
 13. The ballistic shield of claim 12 wherein the ballistic panel includes a padded area adjacent the glove part.
 14. The ballistic shield of claim 12 wherein the panel shell has an interior with an open end within which the ballistic panel is encased, the panel shell also includes a flap adapted to enclose the open end of the panel shell interior and means to secure the flap enclosing the open end of the panel shell interior. 